Chapter 12 – It's just a fancy Name for Whore

The rest of the week flew by much too quickly for Regulus' liking. He could easily have taken another week or two there on the Spanish coast with Remus. He couldn't remember when he had last been this relaxed and happy. Usually when he went on vacation-style jobs such as this, Lily or someone else was with him. It wasn't that he didn't like Lily, but, although treating him with respect, she was still very ambitious on his behalf, so what was supposed to be vacation days always ended up with career talk.

They returned home to a very happy looking Kreacher, who greeted Regulus like a grandfather who hadn't seen his grandchild for months. Remus, however, didn't get more than a slight nod.

"It has been so lonely here while you have been gone, Mr. Black!" the old man beamed.

"Why didn't you take some days off and relax like I asked you to?" asked Regulus. "There was no need for you pottering around here when I wasn't home."

"I have made dinner for you, sir, and your... friend," the butler said with a poorly veiled look of disdain Remus' way.

"His name is Remus, and it would please me if you started treating him with as much courtesy as my other guests," said Regulus.

"Yes, sir," Kreacher nodded, looking a little confused but took their suitcases and took them to their room.

Remus put his arms around Regulus and smiled at him before leaning in for a kiss. "I'll just steal one before everyone else wants a piece of you and the day goes back to normal."

"Yes," sighed Regulus. "But at least I had a nice break and got a very prestigious shoot over with, so I think I can take it a bit easy without feeling guilty for not living up to my full potential. Well, my mother will still think I should," he finished with a sigh.

"Well," Remus said and rested his forehead against Regulus'. "Just remember that it's your career and not hers. Also, it's Lily who's your manager."

"Yeah... Actually, employing Lily was something I insisted on. My mother wanted to continue managing me when I grew up, but I just couldn't take the thought of it, so I put my foot down."

"You should do that more often around her," Remus said, hoping not to overstep the line everyone had warned him about.

o0o0o

The renowned veteran designer Bathilda Bagshot threw a lavish party for her seventy-fifth birthday. Multiple London designers and models plus a vast number of other people from England's jet set were invited. The whole Black family was there - even Sirius, who normally wouldn't have cared to turn up to events like this, came this time because of Regulus and Remus.

"Oh, how lovely to meet you, Remus," beamed Bathilda when they greeted her and wished her a happy birthday. "I have heard about you - everyone says you are so lovely and charming."

"He is," smiled Regulus. "I feel blessed to have met him."

Remus smiled at the old woman and then at Regulus. "I'm the one who's blessed," he said and put an arm around Regulus' waist, resting his hand on the model's hip.

"Aren't you two just darlings," the elderly lady beamed fondly. "Walburga," she said, catching the attention of Mrs. Black who stood close by in a conversation with a toad-faced woman. She turned to face Bathilda. "I was just speaking to your new son-in-law. What a lovely young man! You must be pleased to have him in your family and see how happy he is making Regulus.

"Yes," Walburga said with a slight hint of bitterness and nodded towards the pair. "I'm so pleased. I only want my sons to be happy."

"That's a first," Sirius mumbled as he put an arm around each of Remus and Regulus' shoulders. "Hey baby brother. You look good!"

"Well, I certainly hope so. Otherwise I would be out of a job," Regulus joked.

"I mean with your boyfriend, you little wanker." Sirius tilted his head "Seems bloody genuine, if you ask me."

"What?" said Regulus and felt his cheeks heat up. "Be careful people don't hear you!" he said, taking a quick look around.

"Don't worry. All I said was that you look good together. Also, in the pictures in that gossip magazine from your little getaway. You look so happy and I'm glad."

"Oh... yes, we saw that. Incredible how they can make a whole page about that. Paparazzi pictures of us having lunch at a street café and an article saying that we were on holiday and enjoying the sun. What a sensation! Who wants to read that?"

Sirius shrugged. "They once wrote three pages on me buying a new car. I have to admit your little love affair is much more interesting, though. Even I want to read about it, since you don't tell me anything yourself."

"It's not a love affair. It's a relationship," Regulus said.

Sirius smirked and leaned close to Regulus' ear and said in a low voice. "It is now, yeah."

Many people payed the couple attention - both those who had already met Remus and those who had only heard of him.

"You're very popular," Regulus said to him. "It's only my parents who don't like you, I think."

"That's okay," Remus said and took a sip of his wine. "I don't like them that much either, although it would be nice to get along with them."

"Don't count on it," sighed Regulus. "In truth, there aren't many people they actually like."

"As long as you like me, I'm good."

They went to sit down in a corner, enjoying the music from the grand piano. "Did you know you were bisexual or did you just realise it?" Remus suddenly asked Regulus.

"Hm?" said Regulus and took a quick look around to see if anyone was close enough to hear them. "No, I didn't. I mean... Now I reckon I've been attracted to blokes before, but I've just told myself it was just because I admired the way they looked because of my profession. you know."

Remus nodded slowly. "I've known since I were little that I were different, but it wasn't summat we talked about. But I wish I had told me mam earlier so I didn't have to walk around being so nervous about it. I told her when I were 16 but she already knew, she said. Made me regret that I waited so long."

"Do you have anyone or anything that ties you to Leeds now? I mean, enough so that you want to go back and live there? I mean, when your contract is up..."

"I have friends there, but only one very close one. We've known each other since pre-school. He doesn't care what I do for a living and he's always had my back. Helped me out with Mam when she were ill. He's the only one I would really miss if I moved away."

"So moving to London wouldn't be completely out of the question?"

Remus tilted his head and looked at him. "Mr. Black - are you asking me to move in with you?"

"N-no. It was just hypothetical! But if you didn't have anywhere else to live, then I wouldn't turn you away at the door..."

"I'm flattered," Remus smiled. "But to answer your question, I wouldn't mind living in London, no. Especially since this is where you are."

"Oh, Remus, love," sounded a voice, and a hand was placed on the escort's shoulder. It was Bathilda Bagshot.

"Aye, madam?" smiled Remus.

"My granddaughter told me that she had seen you at a party where you impressed everyone singing on one of those karaoke machines. She said you were brilliant."

"Oh? Well, I'm flattered."

"Won't you sing us a piece?"

Remus didn't really feel like singing tonight, because he had a hint of a sore throat, but seeing the hopefulness in the woman's eyes, he struck up a smile and said: "How about I play a piece on the grand piano instead? If the pianist doesn't mind, of course."

"Oh, I'm sure he wouldn't mind a little break. Oh, Charles?" Bathilda called and hurried towards the piano.
They spoke a few words and the pianist nodded and went to get himself a drink at the bar.

Bathilda clapped her hands, making all guest fall quiet and turn to her. "My dear guests: Remus here - he is the new boyfriend of Regulus Black, if any of you have been living under a rock the past few months - has agreed to play us a little piece on the piano. I have heard rumours that he's a wonderful singer, so I'm quite excited to hear if he can play as well."

Remus suddenly felt nervous when all eyes were on him. Nonetheless, he smiled and went over to sit down at the grand piano. He could see Mr. and Mrs. Black whispering to each other as if they were afraid he would embarrass their family.

"I'll play me mother's favourite song for you all. It's called Watermark and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as she did."

Regulus had heard Remus play several times before at his own piano but it still sent shivers down his spine standing there listening to the beautiful piece of music while the crowd stood spellbound, and he couldn't help smiling and felling proud of Remus.

When Remus finished the piece, the guests gave him a huge applause. "Oh, that was wonderful, darling!" gushed Bathilda and rushed over to give Remus a kiss on the cheek. "So talented."

"Now, don't make young Mr. Black jealous, Tilda," joked a man with a well-trimmed grey beard.

"So, the whore can do other things than lie with men," Mrs. Black mumbled, suddenly standing next to Regulus. "Who knew?"

Regulus turned to glare at her. "Don't talk about him like that!" he whispered.

"Relax. No one heard me. Everyone is too swallowed up by your boyfriend's talent," she muttered and sipped her wine. "Oh, the drama when you 'break up'. Well for a week, perhaps, and then he will be forgotten."

"Don't talk about him like that, and don't call him a whore!" Regulus repeated. "It's very disrespectful. And he's not just an escort. There's more to a person than their job."

"Yes, when they have a respectful job," Walburga replied and took another sip of her wine. "I don't care if you call it an escort; In my book it's just a fancy name for whore."

Regulus gave Remus a hug when he came over to him. "You're so talented. And you have real showmanship."

"Thanks, luv," Remus smiled and kissed the model.

When Remus was talking to Bathilda a little later, Sirius went outside for a smoke, dragging Regulus with him. "You and Remus seem to get along better," he said as he lit his cigarette.

Regulus shrugged. "We got used to each other. And he stopped being so bloody insufferable all the time."

Sirius blew a smoke ring. "And that's why you get that silly smile on your face every time you look at him? I mean, you're usually very stiff when it comes to expressions. Makes you a great model but not so much the approachable person. But now? You look like a lovesick schoolboy, if you don't mind me saying."

Regulus felt a blush creep up his neck and bloom on his face. "I do not. I've just... come to like him. He's a nice bloke, actually. And not so annoying anymore."

Sirius smiled, leaning against the stone railing. "Good for you, little brother."

"So when are you leaving for Ireland?" asked Regulus.

"Tomorrow morning. I won't be gone too long this time, though."

"Because you're only playing a supporting role? It's the one where you're playing Kate Winslet's secret lover, isn't it?"

"Yeah," Sirius grinned and took another puff of his cigarette. "I hope she's a method actor – I wouldn't mind practising with her."

"She could be your mother."

"So what? She's bloody hot, is what she is. And age just means experience."

Regulus laughed. "You assume she forgets all about her husband because she just has to have you?"

Sirius nodded and tossed his cigarette bud on the ground. "I'm irresistible." He stepped on the bud with the heel of his boot. "So – what happens when Remus leaves? You know Mum can't wait to see the back of him."

Regulus coughed to buy himself a little time. "I think he's moving to London. He likes it here. Mother doesn't have a say in that. He's a free man."

"Well, I hope the two of you keep seeing each other. Happiness looks good on you." Sirius patted his brother on the back. "Let's go save Remus before old Bagsie makes him sing and dance like a circus monkey all night."

"He likes it," said Regulus. "He shines in the spotlight – haven't you noticed? Everybody loves him."

"Except Mum and Dad."

"He says he doesn't care if they hate him, as long as I don't. You should quit that," said Regulus, watching his brother crumble up the empty cigarette pack. "It's bad for your lungs and not considered sexy any longer."

"Yeah, I think I've read that somewhere," said Sirius. "But tell you what: I promise to stop smoking the day you stand up to Mum properly. How about that?"

"I do! I just told her to not talk ill of Remus and that there's more to people than their jobs."

"Just keep at it."

o0o0o

Remus was happy but exhausted when they rode home in the taxi.

"You had a good night," Regulus said, giving his hand a squeeze. It was more of a statement than a question.

"I did," said Remus resting his head on Regulus' shoulder. "I'm going straight to bed," he yawned.

"Are you too tired for a little fun?"

"What kind of fun are we talking about?"

"You know... whatever you have energy for. But if you're very tired I can do something for you while you just lie and relax," said Regulus and cupped Remus through his trousers. "You deserve it."

"Oh?" Remus said, livening up a bit. "I wouldn't say no to that."

"I think I'm getting quite good, aren't I? I had the best teacher, after all."

"Oh, you're getting proper good," Remus said in a husky voice, running a hand up and down Regulus' thigh.

o0o0o

It turned out that Remus wasn't that tired after all. A while later when they were lying comfortably in each other's arms, he asked, "Have you ever wanted to be summat other than a model?"

Regulus was silent for a minute. "I don't know... I've never really thought about it. I've been a model all my life, and it was never up for debate what my profession was going to be when I grew up. So, no, I never seriously thought about anything else."

"Well, let's just say that you suddenly couldn't be a model... like if something happened to your body like me. What kind of profession would you like to take up instead?"

"I don't know, Remus," Regulus sighed. "Something that would make me look forward to going to work, I suppose."

Remus hummed and caressed Regulus' arm. "I think you should do something that makes you happy. If you could be anything you wanted, what might that be?"

"I don't like to think about it. It just makes me bitter at what I do. And I really don't have the right to be bitter, you know? Most people would give an arm and a leg to be in my place, and I should be grateful. Young, rich and famous, yeah? I don't have the right to be unhappy. I'm living the dream."

Remus was silent for a minute, then said, "I've been wondering for a while why it is that your mam still runs your life and why you let her? Maybe you would enjoy your work more if she wasn't so much involved."

Regulus turned his head to look at Remus. "You're on dangerous ground, you know that? Several of my girlfriends have been there and not survived. I suspect Emmeline has given you a hint, although she would never do anything to consciously make things difficult for us. I'm sure she loves you and has the gullible hope you'll save me and make me happy or something. But It's not that simple, Remus. My mother made me. And not just in a creational sense as in she gave birth to me, but she made me successful and famous, you know? If I had said 'No, I'd rather play football' or something, what kind of person would that have made me? I would have crushed her dreams and her legacy and all that. She's spent so much of her life promoting my career. I have to honour it. And it's not as if I can complain, is it? I'm extremely privileged."

Remus chewed on his lip, considering what Regulus had said. "It might be that she made you, as you said, but that also means you aren't allowed to have dreams of your own. You're living her dreams - not yours. Do you get what I'm saying?"

Regulus was quiet for a long time; so long that Remus started thinking he wasn't going to answer. "I don't know... I've said a few times as a child that I didn't want to do it anymore. That I wanted to play with the other children outside instead of taking care I didn't get a scratch or break anything. That I wanted to just have fun in my free time. That I would like to perhaps get an education. But she always got very upset, so I stopped. It's enough that Sirius has been such a disappointment."

"I'm sorry," Remus said in a soft voice. He didn't know what else to say right now. Well, he had a million things he would like to say about Walburga, but he didn't want to push his luck. It was a big step that Regulus had opened up so much to him now about the subject. Hopefully Remus could change the way Regulus thought about and acted around his mother in time, but he knew if he came on too strong, he would just push the model away.

"I'm tired..." yawned Regulus and dug himself deeper into the bedclothes. "Hold me?"

Remus put both arms around him and nuzzled into his hair, taking in his scent. "Goodnight, luv."